R&D Technician II

Location: Plymouth, Minnesota Work Arrangement: 100% onsite Employment Type: Contract-to-hire

Position Overview

Viltis is seeking an R&D Technician II on behalf of our client to perform hands-on mechanical, electrical, dimensional, conditioning, and visual testing of medical devices.

This position will work closely with engineers to execute established test methods, operate laboratory equipment, collect accurate data, document results, and communicate observations that support medical-device development and testing activities.

Approximately 85% of the position will involve hands-on laboratory testing, with the remaining 15% focused on documentation, data entry, communication, and other desk-based responsibilities.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, excellent attention to detail, and a dependable employment history. This opportunity is well suited for someone with experience in medical-device assembly, quality inspection, engineering testing, mechanical work, or another hands-on technical environment who is interested in long-term growth with the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical, electrical, conditioning, dimensional, and visual testing on medical devices and components.
• Measure device characteristics such as length, outside diameter, force, temperature, and electrical performance.
• Set up devices, samples, fixtures, and equipment according to written test methods and engineering instructions.
• Operate laboratory and test equipment, including:
  • Calipers
  • MTS test systems
  • Multimeters
  • Digital thermometers
  • Force gauges
  • Cognex inspection systems
  • LabVIEW
  • Hand tools and related measurement equipment
• Follow detailed written procedures, test methods, protocols, and verbal instructions.
• Collect, organize, and document test data accurately and consistently.
• Maintain laboratory records using good documentation practices.
• Communicate test results, unusual observations, equipment concerns, and potential issues to engineers.
• Assist with troubleshooting test setups, devices, fixtures, and laboratory equipment.
• Review test results for completeness, accuracy, and consistency.
• Draft or update basic test documentation, forms, summaries, or work instructions as needed.
• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, equipment readiness, and material availability.
• Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
• Manage multiple testing assignments while meeting project timelines and documentation requirements.
• Work independently on routine assignments while collaborating effectively with engineers and other team members.

Required Qualifications

• One to four years of relevant experience in medical-device testing, product assembly, engineering support, quality inspection, mechanical work, manufacturing, or a related technical environment; or relevant post-high-school education.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with devices, fixtures, tools, and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform precise measurements and follow detailed test procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, repeatable work.
• Ability to maintain clear, complete, and accurate documentation.
• Ability to manage time, prioritize assignments, and work independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to work fully onsite in a laboratory environment.
• Interest in a hands-on, technician-level position with the potential for long-term employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical diploma, engineering studies, or other relevant post-secondary education.
• Experience testing or assembling medical devices.
• Experience in an R&D, engineering laboratory, quality, manufacturing, or product-testing environment.
• Experience performing mechanical, electrical, functional, dimensional, or visual testing.
• Familiarity with calipers, multimeters, force gauges, MTS equipment, Cognex, LabVIEW, digital thermometers, or similar equipment.
• Experience reading specifications, drawings, test methods, or technical work instructions.
• Experience collecting and analyzing test data.
• Experience drafting test documents, work instructions, reports, or technical summaries.
• A stable work history demonstrating reliability, consistent performance, and career progression.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be dependable, focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable spending most of the workday performing hands-on testing. They will be able to follow detailed instructions while recognizing and communicating unexpected results or observations.

This individual should take pride in producing accurate work, maintaining organized documentation, and supporting a positive laboratory environment. The position is intended for someone seeking long-term growth within a medical-device testing team rather than a temporary steppingstone into a different career path.

Work Environment

• Approximately 85% laboratory work and 15% desk-based work
• Fully onsite
• Frequent use of laboratory tools, measurement equipment, fixtures, and hand tools
• Requires adherence to established laboratory safety procedures and use of appropriate safety equipment
• May involve repetitive testing, precise measurements, standing, and handling medical-device components

About Viltis

Viltis is a life sciences consulting and talent solutions firm supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical-technology organizations. We connect experienced professionals with opportunities where they can contribute to meaningful engineering, scientific, quality, clinical, and regulatory initiatives.

Viltis is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.